President Bola Tinubu has approved an expanded Special Session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of the late former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari.
This was disclosed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday.
“A special session of the Federal Executive Council in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari will be held on Thursday, 17 July, from 5 p.m. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lead the session of tributes for the departed leader,” Onanuga stated.
The session had initially been scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed due to the state funeral held in Daura, Katsina State, on the same day.
Also, a statement from the Ministry of Information said, “The Expanded FEC Meeting will be attended by the leadership of the National Assembly – the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Judiciary, and representatives of the family of the late former President.
“Furthermore, on Friday, July 18, a Special Prayer Session will be held in honour of the late former President at the National Mosque, Abuja, while on Sunday, July 20, a Special Church Service will be conducted.”
Former President Buhari died on Sunday, 13 July, at about 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital following a prolonged illness. He was 82.
President Tinubu had earlier declared a seven-day national mourning period in honour of Buhari, directing all national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country. He also announced a public holiday on Tuesday, 15 July, to mark the burial.
In a personally signed tribute, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow at the passing of his predecessor, describing Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman.”
“He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” Tinubu wrote.
“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.
“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”